In a significant move within the financial data sector, Bridgepoint Growth, the growth arm of the London-listed private equity firm Bridgepoint, is set to announce a substantial investment in Exile Group. Sky News has learned that the deal, valued at approximately £30 million, involves the acquisition of a minority stake in this specialist provider of intelligence for project and development finance professionals.
Strategic Investment in a Niche Market Leader
The transaction, scheduled for formal announcement on Thursday, underscores Bridgepoint's strategy to back high-growth businesses in information services. Exile Group, founded in 2013 and headquartered in Deptford, south-east London, has carved out a reputation as a key player in the global infrastructure finance arena. Under the terms of the agreement, the founders of Exile will retain their majority ownership, ensuring continuity in leadership and vision.
Exile Group's Clientele and Offerings
Exile Group serves a prestigious roster of clients, including major global banks such as Citi, HSBC, and Santander. Its services extend beyond traditional data provision, encompassing proprietary intelligence and specialist events tailored to the export, project, and development finance markets. The company's products are utilised not only by banks but also by export credit agencies, development finance institutions, law firms, and various borrowers, highlighting its broad industry reach.
The group operates under four distinct brands, each targeting specific segments of the finance sector:
- Proximo: Focuses on project finance, offering in-depth insights and data.
- TXF: Positions itself as a market leader in trade, commodity, and export finance.
- Uxolo: Concentrates on development finance and impact investing, catering to socially responsible projects.
- Kujenga: A virtual events platform that facilitates networking and knowledge sharing among professionals.
Timing Amid Global Infrastructure Boom
This minority investment comes at a pivotal moment, with global infrastructure spending projected to exceed $7 trillion annually. Exile Group's insights are crucial for navigating complex projects, ranging from small-scale export contracts for SMEs in the UK to large-scale, multi-billion-dollar reconstruction efforts in regions like Ukraine. Dan Sheriff, co-founder and chief executive of Exile Group, emphasised the company's growth trajectory, stating, "Exile has grown by staying close to its customers and building products that genuinely support deal origination and execution across export, project, and development finance. The sectors we serve continue to innovate and gain global importance."
Bridgepoint's Track Record and Vision
Bridgepoint, known for investments in brands like Burger King UK and MotoGP, has a history of supporting events and information services businesses, such as Helio Intelligence and PEI Media. Duncan Calam, partner and head of Bridgepoint Growth, praised Exile Group, noting, "Exile has built a highly attractive position in markets that benefit from long-term structural growth, with a stellar reputation for delivering trusted intelligence." This deal aligns with Bridgepoint's focus on sectors poised for expansion, leveraging Exile's expertise to capitalise on the growing demand for specialised financial data.
As the infrastructure finance landscape evolves, this partnership is expected to enhance Exile Group's capabilities and market presence, driving innovation in data-driven decision-making for professionals worldwide.
